Cover image via Bernama (Facebook)
Two local men were killed in a dramatic shootout with police at a condominium parking lot in Nilai on Thursday night, 15 May
The incident, part of an ongoing crackdown under "Ops Api 3", involved federal and state CID teams tracking down a notorious robbery and drug syndicate believed to be operate across multiple states.
Here's what you should know about the deadly encounter:
Image via Bernama
1. They opened fire at police and were heavily armed
According to Bukit Aman CID deputy director Datuk Fadil Marsus, the suspects — aged 29 and 40 — fired at officers using a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver when cornered at the condo parking lot.
Police returned fire, killing both men on the spot, reported The Star.
Fortunately, none of the officers were injured, though their patrol vehicle was damaged.
2. Both had extensive criminal records — one had 76 prior offences
The younger suspect had 11 prior criminal cases, while the older suspect had a staggering 76 offences under his name, including narcotics and violent crimes. He was also wanted by police.
Authorities suspect he may have been the leader of the group.
3. They were part of an armed robbery and drug syndicate linked to secret societies
Police believe the two men were members of a larger criminal gang involved in a string of house break-ins, factory and courier hub robberies, including a known J&T parcel centre hit, and drug distribution in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Perak.
Their use of firearms has raised suspicions about links to local secret societies.
"These individuals are also suspected to be connected to last month's armed robbery at a courier company's collection and operations hub in Klang. That incident, which went viral online, showed a group of men wielding parang and firearms ambushing the premises," said the Bukit Aman CID deputy director.
4. Nilai was just one of their safe houses; police are still hunting others
The condominium was believed to be a temporary hideout for the group.
Police say the suspects had been moving between several rented units to evade detection, and used vehicles with plates that were swapped out every couple of days. Raids following the shootout have led to multiple arrests and the seizure of stolen items, with more suspects still on the run.
Image via Bernama
